The political crisis in Venezuela has further raised the price of crude to a level that highly beneficial to the economy of some countries like Nigeria.

Brent crude futures yesterday rose to $64 a barrel as the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)-led supply cuts and sanctions from the US against the country’s petroleum industry offset forecasts of weaker demand and an economic slowdown.

The budget currently under the consideration of the National Assembly, has $60 oil benchmark. Analyst say the Federal Government will not only have the cash to implemenet the budget which has the largest capital project component in the history of the oil rich nation, the excess crude account will witness a big boost.

The sanctions came into force yesterday and ban US companies from exporting goods or services to the country’s state-run oil company, Petroleum of Venezuela (PDVSA). Spot gold also fell slightly by 0.5 per cent to $1,310.76 per ounce – its lowest level in nearly a week.

Yesterday, 10 European countries joined the US in recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s interim president, heightening a global showdown over Nicolas Maduro’s socialist rule.

The coordinated move from Britain, France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands came after the expiry of an eight-day ultimatum for Mr Maduro to call a new election.

The US is Venezuela’s biggest oil customer, accounting for 39 per cent of the OPEC nation’s deliveries last year, according to ClipperData.

Russia and China, which have poured billions of dollars of investment and loans into Venezuela, are supporting Mr Maduro in its geopolitical feud with the US.

The embattled President has told his US counterpart to stop his “dirty” imperialist conspiracy to overthrow him. Maduro also rejected European calls for fresh elections.

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OLADIRAN JOSEPH OYEWUMI ( DIRAN O.Y.E ) is a seasoned and dynamic minister of God. He is a preacher, singer and songwriter, an author, a crusader for social justice and an ambassador for peace. His songs, messages and writings will electrify you and take you to the realm of blissful atmosphere. His music will get you on your feet to dance,to rejoice, to reflect and to rekindle hope. His work of music speaks well of him as a dynamic, warm and energetic person.